Method, apparatus, and article for adjusting optical device

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

0001This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/672,785, filed Apr. 19, 2005.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

00021. Field of the Invention

0003The method, apparatuses, and articles described herein generally relate to optical devices, and may, for example, be useful in automatic data collection devices such as optical readers of machine-readable symbols.

00042. Description of the Related Art

0005At present, the most prevalent method of adjusting an optical device appears to employ threaded screws. However, adjusting an optical device through use of a screw has a number of disadvantages.

0006For example, the amount of time and effort required to make an adjustment is disproportionately high relative to the amount of adjustment actually provided. Numerous repeated rotations of the screw are often necessary to achieve the desired adjustment. For example, movement of a lens from one end of the adjustment range to the other end of the adjustment range may take ten rotations of the screw. If, at that point, the user desires to move the lens back to its initial position, the user must rotate the screw ten more times in the opposite direction. In some situations, due to either space constraints or user limitations, it may be difficult to affect both clockwise and counterclockwise rotation with comparative ease. And if the user rotates the screw too far in one direction while the lens is near either end of the adjustment range, the optical device loses the smooth ability to focus.

0007Furthermore, a screw is typically offset from the optical axis. Such an arrangement may cause misalignment or unequal forces in the carriage mechanism, and/or may require adjustment of multiple screws.

0008Optical assemblies and methods of manufacturing the same, which address at least some of the aforementioned problems, would be desirable.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0009In one aspect, an optical assembly comprises a first tubular member having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a longitudinal passage extending between the first and second ends along a longitudinal axis of the first tubular member, and a pitched bearing surface proximate the second end, the pitched bearing surface disposed about the longitudinal axis of the first tubular member such that the pitched bearing surface of the first tubular member is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first tubular member; a second tubular member having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a longitudinal passage extending between the first and second ends along a longitudinal axis of the second tubular member, and a pitched bearing surface proximate the second end, the pitched bearing surface disposed about the longitudinal axis of the second tubular member such that the pitched bearing surface of the second tubular member is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second tubular member; a coupling tubular member having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a longitudinal passage extending between the first and second ends along a longitudinal axis of the coupling tubular member, the coupling tubular member fixedly coupled to the second tubular member for rotation therewith about the longitudinal axis of the second tubular member, the coupling tubular member rotatably and slideably coupled to the first tubular member, with at least a portion of the pitched bearing surface of the first tubular member in engaging contact with at least a portion of the pitched bearing surface of the second tubular member, such that rotation of the first tubular member with respect to the second tubular member varies a distance between the first end of the first tubular member and the first end of the second tubular member; and at least one optical element received in the longitudinal passage of at least one of the first, the second or the coupling tubular members.

0010In another aspect, an optical assembly comprises a first tubular member having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a longitudinal passage extending between the first and second ends along a longitudinal axis of the first tubular member, and an endless pitched bearing surface proximate the second end, the pitched bearing surface disposed non-perpendicularly about the longitudinal axis of the first tubular member; a second tubular member having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a longitudinal passage extending between the first and the second ends along a longitudinal axis of the second tubular member, and an endless pitched bearing surface proximate the second end, the pitched bearing surface disposed non-perpendicularly about the longitudinal axis of the second tubular member; a coupling tubular member having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a longitudinal passage extending between the first and second ends along a longitudinal axis of the coupling tubular member, the coupling tubular member fixedly coupled to the second tubular member for rotation therewith about the longitudinal axis of the second tubular member, the coupling tubular member rotatably and slideably coupled to the first tubular member, with at least a portion of the pitched bearing surface of the first tubular member in engaging contact with at least a portion of the pitched bearing surface of the second tubular member; and at least one optical element coupled to at least one of the first, the second or the coupling tubular members for movement therewith.

0011In a further aspect, a method of making an optical assembly comprises providing a first tubular member having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a longitudinal passage extending between the first and the second ends along a longitudinal axis of the first tubular member, and an endless pitched bearing surface proximate the second end, the pitched bearing surface disposed about the longitudinal axis of the first tubular member such that the pitched bearing surface of the first tubular member is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first tubular member; providing a second tubular member having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a longitudinal passage extending between the first and the second ends along a longitudinal axis of the second tubular member, and an endless pitched bearing surface proximate the second end, the pitched bearing surface disposed about the longitudinal axis of the second tubular member such that the pitched bearing surface of the second tubular member is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second tubular member; providing a coupling tubular member having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a longitudinal passage extending between the first and the second ends along a longitudinal axis of the coupling tubular member; fixedly coupling the coupling tubular member to the second tubular member for rotation therewith about the longitudinal axis of the second tubular member; rotatably and slideably coupling the coupling tubular member to the first tubular member with at least a portion of the pitched bearing surface of the first tubular member in engaging contact with at least a portion of the pitched bearing surface of the second tubular member; providing at least one optical element; and coupling the at least one optical element to at least one of the first, the second or the coupling tubular members for movement therewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

0012In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify similar elements or acts. The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of various elements and angles are not drawn to scale, and some of these elements are arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improve drawing legibility. Further, the particular shapes of the elements as drawn, are not intended to convey any information regarding the actual shape of the particular elements, and have been solely selected for ease of recognition in the drawings.

0013<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is an isometric view of an exemplary optical assembly having an internal coupling member according to one illustrated embodiment.

0014<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is an exploded view of the optical assembly of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

0015<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is an isometric view of an exemplary optical assembly having an external coupling member according to another illustrated embodiment.

0016<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a side elevational view of an exemplary optical assembly in a non-extended state according to one illustrated embodiment.

0017<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a side elevational view of an exemplary optical assembly in an intermediate state between a non-extended state and a fully extended state according to one illustrated embodiment.

0018<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a side elevational view of an exemplary optical assembly in a fully extended state according to one illustrated embodiment.

0019<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a flow diagram showing a method of making an optical assembly, according to one illustrated embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

0020In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed embodiments. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures associated with optical devices and optical elements have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments.

0021Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as, “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is as “including, but not limited to.”

0022Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

0023The headings provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments.

0024<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref> show an optical assembly <b>10</b><i>a </i>according to one embodiment. The optical assembly <b>10</b><i>a </i>is comprised of a first tubular member <b>12</b>, a second tubular member <b>14</b>, a coupling tubular member <b>16</b><i>a, </i>and an optical element <b>18</b>.

0025The first tubular member <b>12</b> comprises a first end <b>20</b>, a second end <b>22</b>, and a longitudinal passage <b>21</b> extending between the first end <b>20</b> and second end <b>22</b> along a longitudinal axis <b>23</b> of the first tubular member <b>12</b>. The first tubular member <b>12</b> may be formed of one or more of a variety of materials, including but not limited to metals, plastics, and/or composites. In at least one embodiment, the first tubular member <b>12</b> has a circular cross-section taken substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis <b>23</b> of the first tubular member <b>12</b>. The first tubular member <b>12</b> has a pitched bearing surface <b>24</b> proximate the second end <b>22</b>, and disposed about the longitudinal axis <b>23</b> of the first tubular member <b>12</b> such that the pitched bearing surface <b>24</b> of the first tubular member <b>12</b> is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis <b>23</b> of the first tubular member <b>12</b>. In at least one embodiment, the pitched bearing surface <b>24</b> is a closed or endless surface. A closed, or endless, pitched bearing surface is defined to include a pitched surface with no terminus. The angle formed between the pitched bearing surface <b>24</b> and the cross-section of the first tubular member <b>12</b> may be twenty degrees or any other suitable angle.

0026Similarly, the second tubular member <b>14</b> comprises a first end <b>26</b>, a second end <b>28</b>, and a longitudinal passage <b>27</b> extending between the first end <b>26</b> and second end <b>28</b> along a longitudinal axis <b>29</b> of the second tubular member <b>14</b>. The second tubular member <b>14</b> may be formed of one or more of a variety of materials, including but not limited to metals, plastics, and/or composites. In at least one embodiment, the second tubular member <b>14</b> has a circular cross-section taken substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis <b>29</b> of the second tubular member <b>14</b>. In at least one embodiment, the longitudinal axes <b>23</b>, <b>29</b> of the first tubular member <b>12</b> and second tubular member <b>14</b>, respectively, are coaxial. The second tubular member <b>14</b> has a pitched bearing surface <b>30</b> proximate the second end <b>28</b>, and disposed about the longitudinal axis <b>29</b> of the second tubular member <b>14</b> such that the pitched bearing surface <b>30</b> of the second tubular member <b>14</b> is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis <b>29</b> of the second tubular member <b>14</b>. In at least one embodiment, the pitched bearing surface <b>30</b> is a closed surface.

0027The coupling tubular member <b>16</b><i>a </i>also has a first end <b>32</b>, a second end <b>34</b>, and a longitudinal passage <b>33</b> extending between the first end <b>32</b> and second end <b>34</b> along a longitudinal axis <b>35</b> of the coupling tubular member <b>16</b><i>a. </i>The coupling tubular member <b>16</b><i>a </i>may be formed of one or more of a variety of materials, including but not limited to metals, plastics, and/or composites. In at least one embodiment, the coupling tubular member <b>16</b><i>a </i>has a circular cross-section taken substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal passage <b>33</b> of the coupling tubular member <b>16</b><i>a. </i>

0028The coupling tubular member <b>16</b><i>a </i>is fixedly coupled to the second tubular member <b>14</b> for rotation therewith about the longitudinal axis <b>29</b> of the second tubular member <b>14</b>. In at least one embodiment, the coupling tubular member <b>16</b><i>a </i>is press fit to the second tubular member <b>14</b>. The coupling tubular member <b>16</b><i>a </i>is rotatably and slideably coupled to the first tubular member <b>12</b>.

0029In the specific embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>, the first end <b>32</b> of coupling tubular member <b>16</b><i>a </i>is secured within the longitudinal passage <b>21</b> of the first tubular member <b>12</b>, for example by press fitting. The second end <b>34</b> of the coupling tubular member <b>16</b><i>a </i>is rotatably and slideably received within the longitudinal passage <b>27</b> of the second tubular member <b>14</b>. Portions of the coupling tubular member <b>16</b><i>a </i>are shown in broken line to indicate the location of the first end <b>32</b> of the coupling tubular member <b>16</b><i>a </i>within the first tubular member <b>12</b> and the second end <b>34</b> of the coupling tubular member <b>16</b><i>a </i>within the second tubular member <b>14</b>.

0030In operation, at least a portion of the pitched bearing surface <b>30</b> of the second tubular member <b>14</b> is in engaging contact with at least a portion of the pitched bearing surface <b>24</b> of the first tubular member <b>12</b>. Rotation of the first tubular member <b>12</b> with respect to the second tubular member <b>14</b> smoothly varies a distance between the first end <b>20</b> of the first tubular member <b>12</b> and a first end <b>26</b> of the second tubular member <b>14</b>. In at least one embodiment, the closed nature of at least one of the pitched bearing surfaces <b>24</b> and <b>30</b> allows the optical assembly to achieve both full extension and full retraction without reversing rotational direction.

0031While the optical element <b>18</b> is illustrated as received within the first tubular member <b>12</b>, the optical element <b>18</b> or additional optical elements may be received in the second tubular member <b>14</b> or the coupling tubular member <b>16</b>. In at least one embodiment, the optical element <b>18</b> may, for example, comprise one or more lenses mounted in the longitudinal passage <b>21</b>, <b>27</b>, <b>33</b> of the first, the second and/or the coupling tubular members <b>12</b>, <b>14</b>, <b>16</b>, respectively. In at least one embodiment, at least one optical element <b>18</b> is proximate the first end <b>20</b> of the first tubular member <b>12</b>.

0032<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> shows an alternative optical assembly <b>10</b><i>b. </i>This alternative embodiment, and those alternative embodiments and other alternatives described herein, are substantially similar to previously described embodiments, and common acts and structures are identified by the same reference numbers. Only significant differences in operation and structure are described below.

0033<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> shows an embodiment in which the structure of the first tubular member <b>12</b>, second tubular member <b>14</b>, and optical element <b>18</b> are similar to the elements described in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. However, the embodiment employs a larger coupling tubular member <b>16</b><i>b. </i>Additionally, in the specific embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the second end <b>22</b> of the first tubular member <b>12</b> and the second end <b>28</b> of the second tubular member <b>14</b> are both received within the longitudinal passage <b>33</b> of the coupling tubular member <b>16</b><i>b. </i>Portions of the first tubular member <b>12</b> and second tubular member <b>14</b> are shown in broken line in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> to indicate the location of the those portions within the coupling tubular member <b>16</b><i>b </i>for the specific embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>.

0034The coupling tubular member <b>16</b><i>b </i>is fixedly coupled to the second tubular member <b>14</b> for rotation therewith about the longitudinal axis <b>29</b> of the second tubular member <b>14</b>. In at least one embodiment, the second tubular member <b>14</b> is press fit into the longitudinal passage <b>33</b> of the coupling tubular member <b>16</b><i>b. </i>The first tubular member <b>12</b> is rotatably and slideably received in the coupling tubular member <b>16</b><i>b. </i>In operation, at least a portion of the pitched bearing surface <b>30</b> of the second tubular member <b>14</b> is in engaging contact with at least a portion of the pitched bearing surface <b>24</b> of the first tubular member <b>12</b>. Rotation of the first tubular member <b>12</b> with respect to the second tubular member <b>14</b> smoothly varies a distance between the first end <b>20</b> of the first tubular member <b>12</b> and a first end <b>26</b> of the second tubular member <b>14</b>. In at least one embodiment, the closed nature of at least one of the pitched bearing surfaces <b>24</b> and <b>30</b> allows the optical assembly to achieve both full extension and full retraction without reversing rotational direction.

0035The optical element <b>18</b> is received either within the first tubular member <b>12</b> or the second tubular member <b>14</b>. In at least one embodiment, the optical element <b>18</b> may, for example, comprise one or more lenses mounted in the longitudinal passage of the first tubular member <b>12</b>. In at least one embodiment, at least one lens is proximate the first end <b>20</b> of the first tubular member <b>12</b>.

0036<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> shows the optical assembly <b>10</b><i>a </i>in a non-extended state according to one embodiment. The structure of first tubular member <b>12</b>, second tubular member <b>14</b>, coupling tubular member (not specifically illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>), and optical element <b>18</b> (not specifically illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>) are as described in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>. In the non-extended state, the distance between the first end <b>20</b> of first tubular member <b>12</b> and the first end <b>26</b> of second tubular member <b>14</b> is at a minimum. Additionally, pitched bearing surface <b>24</b> of first tubular member <b>12</b> and pitched bearing surface <b>30</b> of second tubular member <b>14</b> are in substantially complete contact over their entire surfaces.

0037<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> shows the optical assembly <b>10</b><i>a </i>in an intermediate state between a non-extended state and a fully extended state according to one embodiment. The structure of first tubular member <b>12</b>, second tubular member <b>14</b>, coupling tubular member (not specifically illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>), and optical element <b>18</b> (not specifically illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>) are as described in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>. In the intermediate state of adjustability, the distance between the first end <b>20</b> of first tubular member <b>12</b> and the first end <b>26</b> of second tubular member <b>14</b> is neither at a minimum nor a maximum. Additionally, pitched bearing surface <b>24</b> of first tubular member <b>12</b> and pitched bearing surface <b>30</b> of second tubular member <b>14</b> are in partial contact.

0038<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> shows the optical assembly <b>10</b><i>a </i>in a fully extended state, according to one embodiment. The structure of first tubular member <b>12</b>, second tubular member <b>14</b>, coupling tubular member <b>16</b> (not specifically illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>), and optical element <b>18</b> (not specifically illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>) are as described in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>. In the fully extended state, the distance between the first end <b>20</b> of first tubular member <b>12</b> and the first end <b>26</b> of second tubular member <b>14</b> is at a maximum. Additionally, pitched bearing surface <b>24</b> of first tubular member <b>12</b> is in minimal contact with the pitched bearing surface <b>30</b> of second tubular member <b>14</b>.

0039<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a flow diagram showing a high-level method <b>700</b> of making an exemplary optical assembly <b>10</b><i>a, </i><b>10</b><i>b </i>according to one illustrated embodiment, starting at <b>702</b>.

0040At <b>702</b>, a first tubular member <b>12</b> is provided. The first tubular member <b>12</b> may be similar to the first tubular member <b>12</b> illustrated in the attached drawings, or it can take other forms consistent with the spirit and scope of the invention.

0041At <b>704</b>, a second tubular member <b>14</b> is provided. The second tubular member <b>14</b> can be similar to the second tubular member <b>14</b> illustrated in the attached drawings, or it can take other forms consistent with the spirit and scope of the invention.

0042At <b>706</b>, a coupling tubular member <b>16</b> is provided. The coupling tubular member <b>16</b> can be provided in one of many different forms. By way of example and not limitation, it can be similar to the coupling tubular member <b>16</b><i>a </i>of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>, or it can be more similar to the coupling tubular member <b>16</b><i>b </i>of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>.

0043At <b>708</b>, the coupling tubular member <b>16</b> is fixedly coupled to the second tubular member <b>14</b>. One method of coupling the two components is by press fitting one to the other, although other methods of coupling may be used and are within the spirit and scope of the invention. The second tubular member <b>14</b> may receive the coupling tubular member <b>16</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>, or the coupling tubular member <b>16</b> may receive the second tubular member as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>.

0044At <b>710</b>, the coupling tubular member <b>16</b> is rotatably and slideably coupled to the first tubular member <b>12</b>. In a non-extended state of optic assembly <b>10</b>, the first end <b>20</b> of the first tubular member <b>12</b> is at a minimum distance from the first end <b>26</b> of the second tubular member <b>14</b>. In a fully extended state of optic assembly <b>10</b>, the first end <b>20</b> of the first tubular member <b>12</b> is at a maximum distance from the first end <b>26</b> of the second tubular member <b>14</b>.

0045At <b>712</b>, at least one optical element <b>18</b> is provided. The optical element <b>18</b> may take the form of one or more lenses, prisms, reflectors, refractors, apertures and/or filters, or any other optical element.

0046At <b>714</b>, the one or more optical elements are coupled to the first tubular member <b>12</b>, the second tubular member <b>14</b>, and/or the coupling tubular member <b>16</b>. If more than one optical element is provided, they may be coupled to different tubular members or to the same tubular member <b>12</b>, <b>14</b>, <b>16</b>.

0047The above description of illustrated embodiments, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Although specific embodiments of and examples are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as will be recognized by those skilled in the relevant art. The teachings provided herein of the invention can be applied to other optical assemblies, not necessarily the exemplary optical assembly generally described above. For example, the teaching may apply to an optical assembly having additional tubular members and tubular coupling members. The teaching may apply to tubular members having non-circular cross-sections, including but not limited to elliptical, square, rectangular, or hexagonal cross-sections. Further, the acts of method <b>700</b> may occur in a different order, and the method <b>700</b> may omit some acts and/or include additional acts.

0048The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. All of the U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications referred to in this specification and/or listed in the Application Data Sheet, including but not limited to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/672,785, are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ systems, circuits and concepts of the various patents, applications and publications to provide yet further embodiments of the invention.

0049These and other changes can be made to the invention in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all assemblies, and methods of manufacturing the same, that accord with the claims. Accordingly, the invention is not limited by the disclosure, but instead its scope is to be determined entirely by the following claims.